[pct-l] FW: Sleeping Pads

[Eric]

Both of these are great answers, but I also believe in some comfort while
out in the backcountry, and sleep is one of, if not THE most important part
of hiking.  I myself am having issues with pads as I have very wide
shoulders and the 20" standard for pads nowadays leaves my shoulders hanging
off the sides of most pads.  However, as far as comfort goes, Kevin is spot
on with the NeoAir suggestion; it's definitely more comfortable and lighter
than a combo Ridge-Rest and Prolite.  Probably about the same price total as
well.  That's what I would go with to achieve the comfort level that I think
you are looking for, or perhaps buy a pad from www.kookabay.com - similar to
the NeoAir.

Not to hijack this series, but anyone have ideas for those with wider
shoulders? I emailed Kooka Bay about a custom one but they haven't gotten
back to me yet.

Regards,
Eric

On Wed, Feb 16, 2011 at 9:30 AM, Kevin Cook <hikelite at gmail.com> wrote:

> Another answer... don't sleep on the ground. I switched to hammocks several
> years ago and will never go back. Granted, I don't mind sleeping on the
> ground, and bought a new NeoAir for my thru hike, but given the option,
> I'll
> sleep hanging from the trees ;)
>
> On Wed, Feb 16, 2011 at 8:44 AM, CHUCK CHELIN <steeleye at wildblue.net>
> wrote:
>
> > Good morning, D.Nielsen,
> >
> > This is probably not what you want to hear, but you may want to consider
> a
> > different approach.  As someone considerably older than you I know that
> > with
> > age the body loses its flexibility and its ability to adapt, but another
> > reason the typical foam pad seems harder is because as the years
> accumulate
> > we probably sleep on the ground less often, becoming more and more
> > accustomed to the decadence of the bedroom.
> >
> > I have several RidgeRest and Z-Rest pads but I find they are overkill in
> > terms of size and weight.  Instead I typically hike with a cheap-o, ¾
> > length, 3/8” closed-cell foam pad.  Insulation is adequate, and adapting
> to
> > that level of cushioning – or lack thereof -- is relatively simple and
> > easy:
> > During the months prior to a hike I sleep every night on a carpeted floor
> > rather than in a cushy bed.  When the day arrives that I begin hiking the
> > transition to ground-sleeping on a thin pad is nearly seamless.
> >
> > Prior to a hike most of us train our legs to hike with a pack; preferably
> > we
> > train our lungs to process thin, high-altitude air; we harden our feet on
> > rough trails; we adjust our dining expectations to adapt to common trail
> > food; we carry training packs that often weigh more than our hiking packs
> > to
> > develop our shoulders; we probably drink far more water than does a
> > sedentary person; and we accept a much lower bar-height of personal
> > hygiene.
> > In order to save considerable weight, bulk, cost, and frailty, why not
> > train
> > one’s self to adapt to our proposed sleeping environment?  The typical
> > answer is, “Oh, I couldn’t possibly do that.  I need my rest!”
> >
> >
> > Steel-Eye
> >
> > Hiking the Pct since before it was the PCT – 1965
> >
> > http://www.trailjournals.com/steel-eye
> >
> > http://www.trailjournals.com/SteelEye09
> >
> >
> > On Sun, Feb 13, 2011 at 8:28 AM, <dnielsen at djmurphycompany.com> wrote:
> >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >  _____
> > >
> > > From: dnielsen at djmurphycompany.com [mailto:
> dnielsen at djmurphycompany.com]
> > > Sent: Sunday, February 13, 2011 9:22 AM
> > > To: 'pct-1 at backcountry.net'
> > > Subject: Sleeping Pads
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Looking for suggestions on sleeping pads for a back that is going on 50
> > and
> > > has some miles on it.  Currently use full length Ridge Rest but it
> seems
> > > harder all the time.  I am willing to carry a little extra weight on
> this
> > > item in order to sleep better.  I like the durability of the Ridge Rest
> > and
> > > hate to give it up.  Was thinking of coupling a short ProLite  with it
> as
> > I
> > > need the cushion at my hips and chest but need some padding at my knees
> > and
> > > want insulation full length. Would like to know if anyone has tried
> this
> > or
> > > have other suggestions, particularly if you are in my age group and/or
> > have
> > > back issues.  Thanks
> > >
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